Why Steel Building Is The Perfect Choice For Your Dairy Barn

Steel structures have been prevalent in the industrial sector since the mid-fifties. However, in the last decades, they have also started to gain popularity in the agricultural and residential sectors. One primary reason is the increase in the cost of timber and their maintenance. So, farmers and ranchers have started looking for alternatives to steel barns.

Metal buildings have gained a surge in the dairy industry and livestock shelters. Dairy barn builders constantly look for new ways to boost their income. So, let’s explore metal structures in more detail to see how they benefit animals and farmers.

What Kind Of Steel Structure Options Are Available For Dairy Farm Buildings?

When you start looking for steel buildings, you get two structural options. Let’s see them one by one.

Metal Pole Barn

It is a structure made of metal poles that support the roof and walls of a metal building. The frame provides extra strength and durability regardless of the climatic conditions. These are generally used for commercial and agricultural purposes. The interior poles are spaced about eight feet apart. One major advantage is that they cost less.

Example: A steel pole barn, 70 x 80 x 12, can hold animals, their feed, and a small office area within.

Clear Span Barn

If the name doesn’t make it clear, these are structures with no internal support columns. This gives you complete freedom to design your internal floor plan, maximizing the carpet area for the available square footage.

Example: A metal barn, 84 ft. wide, 52 ft. long, and 16 ft. high, can be designed as a clear-span structure to accommodate cattle feed & hay area and a milking parlor within the same unit. You can get as high as 40 ft. tall and 300 ft. wide clear-span steel structure.

Here Are Some Solid Reasons Why Steel Building Is the Best Option For Dairy Barn Builders

1. Weather Menace

Wood does not adequately protect machinery and cattle in adverse weather conditions. Repairing machines is costly, and livestock loss affects farmers' income. Steel barns, with their engineer-approved design, can withstand all these climatic catastrophes, including rain, wind, snow, and natural disasters.

Providing protection to your cattle and dairy farm equipment is of the utmost importance. So, if you live in an area with frequent extreme weather conditions such as speedy winds, tornadoes, and hurricanes, get certified dairy barn designs.

2. Pests Nuisance

One common problem with dairy sheds is pests. From timbers being eaten by termites, rodents feasting on feeds and nesting in hay, and insects annoying cattle, dairy farm builders have to take care of all these. But it comes at a price. Pest infestations, checks, and control take time and money. Sometimes, you even have to pause ongoing operations for inspection & control.

A steel barn isn’t a natural home to animals. Rodents and termites can’t chew panels & posts to enter your barn. To get rid of flies, you can put a metal screen on windows and clean manure & urine from livestock shelter space regularly. This will ensure that cows are resting properly in their tie stalls.

A steel structure may have a high installation cost, but it pays off with time and its low upkeep needs. Still, if you are on a tight budget, don’t forget to check dairy barns for sale online.

3. Reliable Shelter

Metal does not rot or decay. That’s because, unlike timber, a metal panel is a non-porous material. It doesn’t absorb moisture from the surrounding area, so there is no bending, warping, or twisting. Choose quality steel, and it won’t need frequent repairs and replacements. You can customize your steel structure design, color, and size and add a lean-to.

At Carports Advisor, we provide a wide range of over 10+ color options for your barn structures. You can customize the color of the roof, trim, doors, windows, and wainscot according to your preferences. Don't hesitate to visit our website to explore more designs and find the perfect fit.

4. Fire Proofing, Insurance & Tax Credits

Steel has a higher melting point. With the addition of fire retardants like intumescent coating, rigid board fireproofing, spray-applied fireproofing (passive fire protection), etc., the speed at which fire spread is reduced, and steel's load-bearing capacity is retained. 

This gives metal dairy sheds robust and sturdy appeal. Insurance companies are familiar with these and offer up to 30-40% less premium. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your farm's profitability and productivity. Choose steel dairy barns today!

And if that wasn’t convincing enough, steel barns can easily be designed to be energy efficient. The US government also offers benefits for businesses that can save 30 to 50 % of their energy consumption. So, you save a lot of money.

5. Fast, Speedy & Cost Effective

Prefab steel buildings are designed in a factory. Their parts are easy to ship. Upon reaching the installation site, they can be assembled quickly, as most work is already done, which increases the construction process.

Since most work is already done in the factory, assembling requires less labor, which saves on labor charges. Due to their high durability and resistance to elements, metal structures remain sturdy throughout their lifespan, making them a cost-effective solution for dairy barn builders.

Bonus: It’s Healthy

Steel structures do not degrade indoor air quality, as steel is inorganic and does not decompose with time. They are also mold-resistant. Some metals, like copper, have even antibacterial properties. So, your cattle and workers will be in a healthy and productive environment.

Looking For Sturdy Dairy Barn Designs

Operating a dairy farm isn’t an easy task due to FDA regulations, animal welfare concerns, and public health issues. It takes a great deal of dedication and effort to do it right. Investing in steel dairy barns is smart for farmers looking to cut operational costs and increase revenue. With their durability, low maintenance, and resistance to harsh weather conditions, steel barns offer a long-term solution that can save you money in the long run. If you're looking to install virtually maintenance-free dairy farm buildings, call (336)-914-1654 & get a free quote.